The Nuyorican Poet’s Café was packed to the rafters Friday night as six hopeful poets vied for a spot on the 2009 Nuyorican National Slam Team. After more than a thousand poets competed over the course of the slam season, the 20 highest scoring competitors were slotted into run-off slams. Of the 20, two Intangibles were represented. On this night, Intangible Tracy Soren competed against three members of the Soundbites 2009 Runners Up, "Blood is Cold," a member of the "Aint Neva Scared Crew," and former NuYo team member and legend, Falu.
From the outset, Falu was the favorite. Her first round 30 set the tone for the rest of the evening. But Blood is Cold captain Rich Story would not go quietly. As Falu put up 30 after 30, Rich kept pace, managing to stick with her on the judges’ cards. From the first round onward, the field was cut in half: Rich and Falu led with their perfect scores, and Tracy’s 28.9 had her hot on their heels. As the slam progressed, it was clear that the bottom half of the competition wasn’t going to be able keep up.
After her initial 28.9, Tracy kicked into high gear with back-to-back perfect scores on the classic “Beauty & The Beast” poem and a new piece (working title: “Skeleton”). Both of these poems set the building on fire as the crowds definitely felt Tracy’s ability to command an audience and write with sincerity and feeling.
After the third and final round, Tracy was the only one close to Rich and Falu. Her 88.9 on three poems would’ve won just about any slam -- anywhere, any time. But tonight, Rich and Falu had refused to give up even a tenth of a point, each finishing with perfect 90.0’s before heading into a double-overtime battle that would drag on until 2 a.m. before Rich Story left victoriously.
For Tracy, the night was an immense success. Making her first ever Nuyorican performance on January 14, Tracy then took off on an unprecedented run toward the top of the heap. Missing out on the Nuyorican National Team by 1.1 points a mere four months after your NuYo debut is an unheard of accomplishment. The NYC Slam scene better watch out next season, cuz Tracy Soren is going to be a dominant force going forward.
From the outset, Falu was the favorite. Her first round 30 set the tone for the rest of the evening. But Blood is Cold captain Rich Story would not go quietly. As Falu put up 30 after 30, Rich kept pace, managing to stick with her on the judges’ cards. From the first round onward, the field was cut in half: Rich and Falu led with their perfect scores, and Tracy’s 28.9 had her hot on their heels. As the slam progressed, it was clear that the bottom half of the competition wasn’t going to be able keep up.
After her initial 28.9, Tracy kicked into high gear with back-to-back perfect scores on the classic “Beauty & The Beast” poem and a new piece (working title: “Skeleton”). Both of these poems set the building on fire as the crowds definitely felt Tracy’s ability to command an audience and write with sincerity and feeling.
After the third and final round, Tracy was the only one close to Rich and Falu. Her 88.9 on three poems would’ve won just about any slam -- anywhere, any time. But tonight, Rich and Falu had refused to give up even a tenth of a point, each finishing with perfect 90.0’s before heading into a double-overtime battle that would drag on until 2 a.m. before Rich Story left victoriously.
For Tracy, the night was an immense success. Making her first ever Nuyorican performance on January 14, Tracy then took off on an unprecedented run toward the top of the heap. Missing out on the Nuyorican National Team by 1.1 points a mere four months after your NuYo debut is an unheard of accomplishment. The NYC Slam scene better watch out next season, cuz Tracy Soren is going to be a dominant force going forward.
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